PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE

Scope & Guideline

Advancing Dialogue in Science Communication

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0963-6625
PublisherSAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1992 to 2024
AbbreviationPUBLIC UNDERST SCI / Public Underst. Sci.
Frequency8 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address1 OLIVERS YARD, 55 CITY ROAD, LONDON EC1Y 1SP, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Public Understanding of Science' focuses on the intersection of science, society, and communication. It aims to enhance the dialogue between scientific communities and the public, addressing how science is perceived, understood, and communicated in various contexts.
  1. Science Communication Strategies:
    The journal explores various methods and strategies for effective science communication, emphasizing the importance of tailoring messages to diverse audiences.
  2. Public Perception of Science:
    Research on how the public perceives scientific information, including trust in science, understanding of scientific concepts, and attitudes toward scientific innovations.
  3. Role of Media in Science:
    Analysis of how different media forms (traditional and digital) influence public understanding and engagement with science, including the impact of misinformation and framing.
  4. Crisis Communication in Science:
    Examination of science communication during crises, such as pandemics or climate emergencies, and how these situations affect public trust and understanding.
  5. Engagement and Participation:
    Focus on public engagement with science, including citizen science initiatives and the role of various stakeholders in the science communication process.
  6. Cultural and Societal Influences:
    Investigating how cultural, ideological, and societal factors shape public understanding and attitudes towards science, including issues related to gender, race, and religion.
The journal has seen the emergence of several trending themes that reflect current societal challenges and the evolving landscape of science communication. These themes highlight new areas of inquiry and growing relevance in the public discourse surrounding science.
  1. Misinformation and Trust in Science:
    A significant increase in research addressing misinformation, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its effects on public trust in science and scientists.
  2. Digital and Social Media Engagement:
    The rise of studies focused on science communication through digital platforms and social media, exploring how these channels facilitate or hinder public engagement with science.
  3. Climate Change Communication:
    Growing emphasis on how climate change is communicated to the public, including strategies to counteract climate denial and foster public understanding of climate issues.
  4. Public Health and Science Communication:
    Emerging research on the communication of health-related science, particularly during health crises, and how public perceptions impact health behaviors and policy.
  5. Diversity and Inclusion in Science Communication:
    Increased focus on how diverse voices and perspectives shape science communication and public understanding, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in science engagement.

Declining or Waning

While 'Public Understanding of Science' has a broad and evolving focus, some themes appear to be declining in prominence based on recent publications. These themes may reflect shifts in societal interests or changes in the science communication landscape.
  1. Historical Perspectives on Science:
    There has been a noticeable decline in papers focusing on historical analyses of science communication, suggesting a shift towards contemporary issues and practices.
  2. Focus on Traditional Media:
    Research centered on traditional media outlets is decreasing as the journal increasingly emphasizes digital platforms and social media's role in science communication.
  3. Niche Scientific Discourses:
    Themes related to niche scientific topics or specialized discourses seem to be waning, possibly in favor of more broadly relevant and impactful science communication topics.

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